Freeman Coliseum – The San Antonio Stars knew what they were doing when they drafted Kayla McBride. In just her second year, she is already being called the best pure shooter in the game. Just days after her 23rd birthday, she would let her team to another win.
McBride scored 23 points, including 12 in the fourth quarter to led the Stars to a thrilling 73-71 win over the Seattle Storm in front of 4,067 fans at Freeman Coliseum on Saturday night.
“She’s 23 years old and we lean on her like she’s 32,” San Antonio head coach Dan Hughes said. “There’s a reason for that. The girl just got a presence. She may hit a rocky spot but you never give up on her because she’s going to come back.”
Jia Perkins and Danielle Adams each added 11 points for the Stars, who have won two consecutive games after losing their first six games. It was also their second straight comeback, on Thursday the silver and black rallied to defeat the Phoenix Mercury.
“We knew it was going to be a brighter side to it,” Stars guard Danielle Robinson said. “As a competitor, you don’t ever want to lose. But if losing helps you grow, you have to go through those growing pains. I think we found a little bit of rhythm.”
Seattle was led by Crystal Langhorne’s 18 points. Sue Bird and Ramu Tokashiki each added 10 for the Storm (2-6), who lost their second straight.
“They made plays and we didn’t. I felt like we were in a pretty good flow, and then they just went on a run,” Langhorne said. “At the end of the game they executed, and we didn’t.”
San Antonio was without Jayne Appel (mouth) and Alex Montgomery (knee) for the second straight game. Appel said after the game she would find out her status on Monday. However, Montgomery had her knee scoped and its likely she will miss more time.
The Stars are now 2-6 on the season and will hit the road for a quick two game road trip. They will return to the court on Tuesday when they face Brittney Griner and the Phoenix Mercury at 9 p.m at U. S. Airways Center.
